Backing to Flyline Connection

[GAESKIMO]

What is everyone's thoughts on this connection? I have used loop connectors in the past however I had one fail recently and would like something a little more secure. On the backing I use a double surgeons for the loop. What do you recommend to create a loop on the butt of the flyline? Or should I use a nail knot and tie the backing directly to the fly line?

[Ray]

I've used a nail-knot before and just trust it more than a loop connection. I use loop-loop for flyline to leader. I add some 40# mono to the end of the flyline with a nail-knot.

I have also seen some people insert the flyline INTO braided dacron backing and fix in on with zap-a-gap.

[Quicksilver]

I like to use albright knots on both ends of the flyline.

[BillMichelinie]

I make a whipped loop in the back of my fly line using kevlar thread coated with Pliobond. Then I make a bimini twist in the backing with a large loop, big enough to pass the coiled fly line through. This make it a snap to change lines - without tying any more knots!

[donrik]

I do it the same way Bill does.

[Too Fly]

I was gonna tell you to run up to First Light Anglers in Manchester, MA, cuz they've got a great system...until I realized your whereabouts. Sorry.

To create a great, knotless loop in the backing, they use that "Malin," it think it's called, bait rigging wire and double a 24 inch piece or so with a pair of pliers. I think you can use piano wire too? Bend it so that it is small enough to fit into the backing. However, you don't want to crimp the wire down onto itself too hard, it may break. This makes a lengthy tool(12" doubled) to splice the dacron backing into itself with.

1. Strip off a few feet of backing from the reel.

2. Insert the wire(doubled end first) into the backing and inch it toward the tag end. From your starting point, make sure that you leave three feet or more of backing toward the tag end.

3. Straighten the backing around the wire as you progress. Leave an inch or two of wire exposed out the back end. This will enable you to pull the wire back out when you're done.

4. Once you get the wire fully into the backing, except for the inch or so of wire out the back, poke it through. Now you should have a couple feet of backing left so that you can create the loop once you've pulled the backing through itself.

5. Thread, as you would a needle, the tag end of the backing through the doubled end of the exposed wire.

6. Pull the wire, with the tag end of backing, back through the hole you just made.

7. Fully pull the wire out of the backing(first hole) with the tag end still "threaded." <~~~ I'm not sure that's a word?

8. Pull the tag end out of the wire and either cut it or pull it back through the hole so that it longer appears.

Now, I hope, you've got a spliced loop in the backing to attach to your fly line to. The loop won't pull out because you've got the backing spliced through itself, creating tension when pulled on.

I hope this "explanation" helps. I can probably draw a diagram of this and fax it to you. Later, if you want, I can explain how these guys create a loop for the fly line using braided mono.

Good Luck,
Can't fall asleep tonight...Paul :rolleyes:

[capt_gordon]

I use the bimini and whipped loop like Bill M does. Never fail connection!

[msewards]

I also do the same as Bill...

I make the whipped loop with 2 or 3 knail knots of 10 lb maxima....each right beside each other...They bite in really tight.

really smooth connection...never fails....